Brock preparing VIMS message for Howie’s birthday message – write up from the one day retreat received from Arleen Pare; group photo taken at Sunday Night with Howie.

Updated Lost and Found policy – updated on website and in VIMS policy document

Permission received from participants to post photo and video from July 10th Pot Luck sangha social

Financial update – Grant

Circulated by Grant as of today’s date:

General fund balance is $3,585.94+prepayment

Discretionary fund unchanged at $3,002.85

Smaller than expected profit from Howie’s retreat due to travel. $15/person as budgeted but more people than expected attended.

Ideally do not want different people collecting dana. We will confirm at a council meeting who will take care of the dana when Theresa is not available. Usually currency conversion step required for US teachers. Discussion about where cash extraction should take place.

Communications – Bruce/June

Bruce training Carol McDonald to produce the newsletter.

June has offered assistance to Christine Mauro of Salt Spring Vipassana who wishes to start a newsletter for their group – using Constant Contact.

Victoria IMS sitting group info has been updated on the BCIMS website.

People are welcome to send text to Bruce for Howie’s talks.

Bruce will put up whatever audio he has.

Study group – Theresa/June

Sept 8, 2013 – first meeting

Heather considering changes to the focus of the study group.

Discussion about purchasing some books if Heather decides to use one.

Theresa will book every second Sunday from September to December. Question about one of the dates in October. Discussion about what the nature of the study group should be. June will contact Heather with suggestions.

2013 retreats

Solwazi Johnson retreat Sept 28/29.

Helen Colbeck as co-manager.

Retreat Announcement to go out Monday Aug. 26

Adrianne Ross Nov 2/3

“Insight Meditation Retreat” will be the title.

VIMS volunteer pot luck – Oct 12 at Brock and June’s

Request to borrow VIMS zabuton and zafu for Ajahn Geoff’s teachings in Burnaby

Motion for Brock and June to take it over there for the September 14-15 event.

Carried. (implemented)

Possible intro sessions for new meditators – starting this fall

Motion from Bruce that VIMS sponsor a monthly Drop-In Meditation session for Beginners and ask Brock and Margo to alternate leading these one hour sessions from 5:30 – 6:30 pm on the first Sunday of the month. Council will review this program in the future.

VIMS to pay the rental fee for the yoga studio and give Brock and Margo a $50 honorarium per session. A basket will be set out for donations to VIMS at the drop in sessions. Brock and Margo have confirmed their availability.

Carried (Implemented). June and Brock recused themselves from the vote.

Theresa to contact Helga to check yoga studio availability. Bruce and June to advertise in VIMS newsletter and on the website.

2014 retreats

Howard Cohn: Sunday Aug 3 2014 – Decision: Book venue?

Eve Decker – Evening of music and dharma Fri May 23, 2013. CDs available for sale. Will try to use free evening owed to us by Farifield Community Centre for use of Garry Oak room. There will be a suggested donation of $10 for this event. Donations to cover VIMS expenses such as equipment rental with remainder offered to Eve.

Motion from Brock.

Carried. (implemented)

Jim Bedard – proposal from Eric

Possibility mentioned by Brock.

Brock one day – date in Feb/Mar to be determined

Margo one day – date in Nov to be determined

2015 retreats

Ajahn Geoff: Brock will investigate when he sees him. Has support to go invite him if it fits his schedule.